Working in a heatwave

Working in a heatwave and its impact on workers and prevention in Slovenia

Confronting working conditions during heatwaves

According to global data, the last seven years have been the hottest in the history of recorded temperatures. Even more alarming is that Sicily in Italy recently recorded the highest temperature in Europe so far - a staggering 48.8 degrees Celsius.

The impact of climate change on global warming

Climate changes, resulting from increasing greenhouse gas emissions, lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Mauro Facchini from C3S emphasized in a discussion with Deutsche Welle that the temperatures and extreme weather events from the previous year are a warning about the need to reduce global emissions.

To prevent the most catastrophic consequences of climate change, Facchini suggests that it's crucial to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, in line with the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement. Since then, WWA scientists have emphasized that the Earth has already reached a warming of nearly 1.2°C.

Even more alarming is the prediction that if global warming reaches 2 degrees Celsius, the likelihood of heatwaves will increase from two to twenty times, with heatwave temperatures higher by 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius. What does this mean for the future? Predictions show that if global warming reaches 2°C, the likelihood of heatwaves will increase by 2 to 20 times, with heatwaves on average warmer by 0.5 to 1.5°C.

Economic impact of heatwaves

Heatwaves lasting more than four days increase the mortality rate by 1.5 to 5 times compared to short-term hot periods. High temperatures not only affect health but also have significant economic consequences.

A study published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature last October analyzed the economic consequences of heatwaves in Europe. The findings show that economic damage from heatwaves by 2060 will be almost five times greater than in the 1981-2010 period. The main reason for this is the reduced productivity of workers in extreme temperature conditions, which directly affects the decline in economic production.

Slovenian heatwave warning system: How Slovenia prepares for extreme temperatures

In Slovenia, since the 1990s, we have recorded between three and five heatwaves annually. Although a global definition for heatwaves does not exist, in Slovenia we consider it a heatwave when the thermometer shows over 24°C in continental climates, 25°C by the sea, and 22°C in mountainous areas for at least three consecutive days.

When the temperature reaches 26°C, meteorologists activate an orange warning, while a red warning follows at 28°C. Under such conditions, the weather is potentially lethal.

Although weather forecasts are reliable for up to two weeks in advance, current forecasts indicate the possibility of above-average temperatures for Slovenia in the near future. It's impossible to predict the duration and intensity of upcoming heatwaves with certainty, but it's essential to be prepared for them and to heed issued warnings.

Impact of heatwaves on productivity: How extreme temperatures reduce work efficiency

Heatwaves not only bring discomfort but also a drastic reduction in productivity, especially among working individuals. Despite the seriousness of these consequences, individuals' preparedness for heatwaves is often insufficient.

German research warns: for every degree above 25°C, productivity decreases by 2%. At 35°C, this means a 20% decrease. Similar results are confirmed by Slovenian research.

As part of the European Heat Shield project, which involved 20 partners from Europe, they analyzed sectors representing half of the working population and nearly 40% of European GDP, including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, transport, and tourism. Leading Slovenian researchers of this project, climatologist Lučka Kajfež Bogataj and Igor Mekjavić from the Jožef Stefan Institute, conducted an experiment in Planica. Subjects worked for nine days in a simulated heatwave, where results revealed a significant reduction in cognitive functions and psychomotor skills.

Conclusion

The effects of global warming and the increasing occurrence of heatwaves are a growing concern for many, especially those working in exposed environments. These phenomena not only have severe health implications but also economic ones, as worker productivity declines. With this in mind, it's crucial for countries like Slovenia to continue monitoring, preparing, and issuing warnings about extreme temperature conditions. The wellbeing and productivity of their populations depend on it.

Protection of outdoor workers in Slovenia and what do current regulations say?

Currently in Slovenia, there is no specific regulation that precisely dictates guidelines for employers regarding ensuring the safety of outdoor workers, especially in connection with exposure to sunlight. There is the "Regulation on Requirements for Ensuring Safety and Health of Workers at Workplaces" (UL RS 89/1999, 39/2005, 43/2011), but its Article 93 only states that workplaces where workers work outdoors must be appropriately protected from harmful weather impacts. Specific measures are left to the discretion and resourcefulness of employers. The regulation mentions sunlight only in the context of shading windows in closed workplaces so that direct rays do not affect workers. Protection against extreme temperatures is only defined for indoor workplaces.

Additionally, Article 94 of the regulation states that between November 1 and March 31, employers must provide workers performing lighter outdoor tasks the possibility of occasional heating if the temperature drops below +16°C. In Slovenia, protection of outdoor workers in the context of exposure to sunlight is partially regulated, but there is still a gap in regulations. Although there is a Regulation on the Safety and Health of Workers at Workplaces (UL RS 89/1999, 39/2005, 43/2011), it does not precisely define measures for protection against the sun.

Solar radiations are only mentioned in relation to shading windows of closed workplaces. It seems that the emphasis is on protection against cold. Article 94 provides occasional heating for workers outdoors between November 1 and March 31, when temperatures drop below +16°C. However, protection against high temperatures in summer months is currently not addressed.

Best approaches and measures to protect workers during heatwaves

In periods of extreme heat, it's every organization's and employer's responsibility to adequately ensure the health and safety of their employees. How to achieve this?

The basis is a thorough analysis and risk assessment. It's essential to identify potential hazards associated with working in the sun and to define areas of greatest risk. Based on these findings, the company sets specific objectives for preventing exposure to sunlight.

One of the main strategies is adapting the work environment. The work schedule can be changed so that employees don't work during the hottest hours of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It also makes sense to invest in portable sunshades at the site and ensure the availability of cold drinking water.

The importance of protective equipment shouldn't be overlooked. The clothes employees wear should be made of dense materials that prevent the passage of UV rays. Additionally, it's essential to provide quality sunglasses, protective hats, and sunscreens with a high protection factor.

However, regardless of the quality of the measures, their effectiveness depends on whether employees are well informed and trained for their proper use. Communication is key: visual reminders like posters and brochures can warn about the dangers and offer solutions for a safer working environment during heatwaves.

Adapting the work environment

How to organize work? The idea here is to adjust the work. And to reduce sun exposure during the hottest hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Considerations for adjustments include:

• Starting the workday earlier to avoid peak daytime temperatures.
• Split shifts, which can include longer breaks during the hottest hours.
• Performing the most strenuous or challenging tasks in the morning when temperatures are lower.
• Combining outdoor and indoor or shaded work to reduce direct sun exposure.

Worksite equipment: The worksite should be equipped to protect workers from the sun. This can include:

• Portable sunshades or curtains under which work can be performed.
• Creating shaded areas where workers can rest and cool down. This is especially important for longer breaks, such as lunch breaks.
• Providing access to refreshing non-alcoholic drinks, especially water, in these shaded areas.
• Thoughtful placement of portable or permanent sunshades on work equipment, such as work machines, to reduce direct sun exposure.

Providing work clothes and equipment

This refers to protective equipment that workers wear to protect against sunlight and UV rays.

• Work clothes should be light and loose to allow ventilation, but woven densely enough to prevent UV radiation.
• Workers should be provided with headwear that protects the head, neck, ears, and face.
• Sunglasses should comply with protection standards and protect the eyes from UVA and UVB radiation.
• Encouraging the use of protective creams with a high protection factor, available at workplaces.

At Pharsol Protect, we recommend lightweight work clothes and protective clothing that reflects sunlight and helps workers maintain a lower body temperature.

Regular training and informing workers

Regardless of the implemented measures, their effectiveness relies on employees being aware of the dangers and knowing how to protect themselves. Therefore, it's essential that:

• Regular training on the dangers of working in the sun is provided.
• There's communication of the importance of hydration and the need for protective equipment.
• Clear instructions on the proper use of protective equipment are provided.
• Regularly remind workers about the need to take breaks and seek shade when feeling fatigued or overheated.

Conclusion

Working outdoors in Slovenia during the summer months requires careful preparation and a clear plan to protect workers from the harmful effects of the sun. With proper planning, communication, and the right equipment, the risk of sun-related incidents can be minimized, ensuring a safe working environment for all.